Many thanks Kimbo. Pentax haven't replied (yet), but talking to a colleague who has a Minolta 7D, it also seems to be a standard feature for other manufacturers. Never having had AF assist before, I find it a bit odd, and off-putting.

By the way, apologies to all for posting in the "Lenses" section.

Louis

Below is an extract from an email I have sent to Pentax UK. Pending their reply, any thoughts on whether I am doing something to cause this, or whether it sound like a warranty issue?

Many thanks for any views.
Louis

"I believe that there is a problem with the flash. Irrespective of which setting the flash is set to (except "off"), when the flash pops up automatically or manually, the flash automatically discharges a burst similar to the red-eye burst the moment the shutter release button is depressed to the half-way point. The flash responds this way whatever setting it is put to. There is nothing in the Troubleshooter section in the manual about this, and none of the other settings seem to control it."

Hi there

I am brand new to this (great) forum.

I have bought a DS "body only", largely because I had 2 lenses I could use with it to begin with, an SMC-F f/4-5.6 35-80mm from my old budget MZ-50, and an SMC-M f/2 50mm that I bought for £15 with case (lovely lens).

The time has come to invest in something better and dedicated, and I was hoping for some guidance from you guys. In 35mm terms, I liked to shoot 50mm a lot of the time, upto 80mm, as this range fufilled most of my needs. Most of my photography was during the day, not always in good light though (a symptom of living in England). My budget for a new (or second hand) lens is upto £300 and, for now, I just want an AF lens (perhaps made for digital) to put on the DS to dispense with having to cart around a load of gear; my two-year old son requires a lot of kit when out and about! I have heard good things about Sigma 28-70mm. Any other recommendations much very appreciated.

Many thanks
Louis